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Calling Matthew was an example...

Illustration
Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A
Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
Calling Matthew was an example of going out of bounds and breaking the rules, at least according to the proper folk of Jesus' generation. The Lord's disciples are expected to discern when they, too, may be called to such elasticity. The French clergyman, Abbe Arthur Mugnier, was known for his kindliness and humanity. On one occasion he was administering holy communion to a dying parishioner when the man's pet canary flew down and started pecking at the consecrated bread. When he told this story to a friend, the question came, "What did you do next?" Said Mugnier, "I blessed the canary."
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Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
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